Asylum seekers across several London boroughs are being granted heavily subsidised, and in some cases entirely free, access to gym facilities and other leisure services, while local residents continue to shoulder monthly fees as high as £52.50.
Richmond Council Offers Free Leisure Passes
Richmond upon Thames Council, controlled by the Liberal Democrats, is among those offering asylum seekers what they call a “Richmond Card”, a pass that allows complimentary entry to local gyms, swimming pools and group fitness classes at five leisure centres in the borough.
According to the council’s website, this free pass is available to individuals who can provide either an Asylum Application Registration Card or official documentation from the Home Office.
While asylum seekers enjoy full access without cost, local carers and benefit recipients are granted only a partial 60% discount on the same services. Meanwhile, working adults in the borough are expected to pay up to £52.50 each month for the same level of access.
The Richmond Card also extends to a variety of non-sporting activities. Discounts apply to classes in pilates, French and Spanish, as well as sessions for anxiety and stress relief such as hypnosis therapy. Even recreational pursuits like paddleboarding, kayaking and certain dining spots are included under the card’s benefits.
Asylum seekers in some London boroughs are enjoying free access to leisure centres, while residents are left footing monthly bills of over £50 – sparking frustration among many who feel sidelined by their own councils.
Kingston and Wandsworth Follow Suit
Kingston Council is running a similar programme. Their “Active Kingston Card” grants up to 50% discounts on leisure activities, including gym use, tennis, badminton and squash, at six different venues in the borough.
Like Richmond, the concessions are extended to other eligible groups such as pensioners, registered carers and benefit recipients, but the standout remains the subsidised offerings to those seeking asylum.
Labour-led Wandsworth Council is also offering asylum seekers reduced rates on a variety of activities – including pottery classes and trips to local pantomimes.
Political Criticism Mounts
The policy has sparked political backlash. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp didn’t hold back, branding the scheme as: “a slap in the face. It’s an insult to every struggling family in the country. Labour has the wrong priorities.”
He posted his criticism on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting growing concern that such benefits could deepen public resentment in already strained communities.
In Birmingham – a council that declared effective bankruptcy in 2023 – asylum seekers are reportedly being offered access to discounted activities ranging from trampolining to martial arts. The revelation has raised eyebrows given the city’s ongoing financial turmoil.
In a move to address abuse of the asylum system, the Home Office has introduced a “Failure to Travel” policy. The measure is aimed at asylum seekers who refuse to relocate from hotel accommodation to other provided housing without valid reasons.
“This Government is making those necessary decisions to protect the taxpayer and uphold the integrity of our borders.
These reforms to the Failure to Travel policy are another example of this Government’s action to transform the asylum accommodation system and crack down on those who abuse our system, so it operates fairly and saves the taxpayer money,” said Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum.
The policy comes on the heels of repeated protests outside hotel sites used for housing asylum seekers, including one outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, where 23 arrests were made.
While supporters argue these benefits help promote integration and wellbeing among vulnerable populations, critics insist local families are being left behind. As more councils expand similar schemes, the debate continues to intensify across London and beyond.
